Micro-imaging and Analysis Center

The Micro-imaging and Analysis Center at Southern Illinois University is a service unit supported by the Office of Research Development and Administration (ORDA). The MIAC provides service and training in electron and light microscopy. This is accomplished by means of graduate level courses in scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as training in the use of all instrumentation in the MIAC. Trained staff will prepare specimens and assist in the viewing of samples and assist in the writing of technical or budgetary proposals related to electron microscopy and the writing of reports for granting agencies. MIAC sponsors workshops on modern research methods in electron microscopy and offers tours of the facility to the university and community.

The internal rates are designed to recover all costs associated with expendible supplies, service contracts on major instrumentation and a portion of the salaries of technical personnel.

The MIAC is available for outside grant and contract work. Outside rates are negotiated through the Office of Research Development and Administration and are designed to recover all operating expenses as well as an established overhead rate.

Major equipment consists of a state-of-the-art analytical system composed of a Hitachi 7100 TEM equipped for x-ray analysis (NORAN Voyager III) and digital, high resolution imaging at 125 kV. The TEM is connected to a variable pressure SEM also with x-ray analysis capability. This permits researchers to observe non-conductive specimens under more natural conditions than the conventional SEM and TEM (also available). The EM system is networked with various light microscopes and macroscopes capable of capturing low light level images for further analysis. Preparatory equipment includes: ultramicrotomes, vacuum evaporators, critical point and freeze dryers, sputter coater, specimen trimmers, darkroom set-ups, copy stands, and miscellaneous small lab equipment.

Internal (SIU) Independent User Fees

Microscope Fees

Electron Microscopes     $15.00/hr
X-ray Analysis            20.00/hr
Light Microscopes          10.00/hr
Image Analysis             10.00/hr

Facility Use Fees

Critical Point Drying     15.00
Freeze Drying             20.00
Slam Freezing             20.00
Sputter Coating           10.00
Vacuum Evaporation        20.00
Ultramicrotomes (per hr)  10.00

Internal Service Work Fees (Operator Provided)

Electron Microscopes     $25.00/hr
X-ray Analysis            25.00/hr
Light Microscopes         20.00/hr
Image Analysis            20.00/hr

Specimen Preparation Fees

Pricing varies depending upon amount of processing needed. Biological specimens, which require more steps than non- biologicals, will be more costly. A precise figure will be provided after determination of specific needs. Cost will range from $20.00 to over $100.00. Savings may be realized if some processing is done by the investigator and completed by the MIAC.

Transmission EM (up to 5 spec/ vial) $40.00
Ultramicrotomy (routine, 3 grids)     20.00
Grid staining (Ur + Pb, 3 grids)      15.00
Scanning EM (biologicals)             40.00
Scanning EM (non-biologicals)         20.00
Critical Point Drying                 20.00
Freeze Drying                         20.00
Slam Freezing                         20.00
Sputter Coating                       10.00
Vacuum Evaporation                    25.00

For more information, contact
John J. Bozzola, Director
Micro-imaging and Analysis Center
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL 62901-4402
618-453-3730 voice, -2665 fax
bozzola@siu.edu
***Last Update 6/15/00 wcs***